Salt Lake City, Utah, January 29, 2015 – Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest officials would like to remind all winter recreationists to have a safe, fun-filled season and to be extra careful while out in the woods. Snowmobilers, skiers, snowboarders, snowshoers, fat bike riders, and dog sleds all share the same trails.

So remember to respect each other’s rights to enjoy their recreation activity of choice. Be informed about avalanche dangers. Carry safety equipment such as avalanche beacons, shovels, and probes. Take an avalanche awareness class. For the latest avalanche conditions you can go to www.utahavalanchecenter.org, or UACWasatch, #utavy, or call 888-999-4019.

Snowmobile users should always use proper trail etiquette. Obey all trail signs. Slow down when meeting other users and oncoming snowmobile traffic. Stop before crossing highways. Stay to the right on curves and slow down. Make sure your snowmobile is legally registered. Never snowmobile in wilderness areas. Make sure you are riding on trails, roads, or areas that are open to snowmobiles.

Maps are available to identify routes open to motorized and non-motorized uses. These routes do not include adjacent, surrounding lands, or private property. Please leave gates open or closed, as you found them.

Respect private property. You can pick up Winter Travel Maps at local Forest Service offices that will show you what trails, roads and areas are open for snowmobile use. Skiers and snowshoers should always move to the side of the trail or just off the trail when you hear snowmobilers approaching.

Please do not insist on the right-of-way, you are no match for a snowmobile. Remember you are responsible for your own safety. Here are a few safety tips to practice this winter: * Call ahead for current conditions * Make sure your vehicle is in good operating condition and contains an adequate level of fuel and have properly fitting tire chains and know how to install them * Leave your itinerary with a friend or family member * Never travel alone and take along your cell phone and a map * Wear appropriate clothing and footwear * Always carry extra clothing, food, water, flashlight, first aid kit, matches, and a small shovel * If you become injured or lost, stay calm and seek shelter from the elements, but do not stray from your planned route.

BE PREPARED FOR ANYTHING! Always stay alert on trails, know your limits for whatever form of winter recreation you choose to enjoy. Respect the rights of other users and the national forest you are recreating on. ‘USDA is an

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest has Christmas tree permits on saleWenatchee--Christmas tree permits are on sale for $5 each at all Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest ranger stations and the forest headquarters. These permits are temporarily available only by cash purchase due to a delay in an update to the Point-of-Sale cash register system used at each national forest office. This system should be updated within a week or so, enabling customers the option to once again use cash, personal checks, and credit and debit card transactions for Christmas tree permit purchases.Each permit allows a family to cut one tree, with a tree height limit of 15 feet, or dig a small live transplant tree. Permits may be purchased in person or by mail and are limited to two permits per family. The permits are non-refundable and are only good on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.The Christmas tree permit must be validated and securely attached to the tree trunk between the limbs and be visible during transportation. Christmas trees cannot be harvested in Wilderness areas, campgrounds, developed recreation areas, or tree plantations.When venturing out into the national forest in pursuit of a Christmas tree, following are some hints to help make the trip a safe one:

Before leaving home, notify a friend or family member of the planned route of travel and expected return time. Stick to the plan and be sure to contact that individual upon returning home.

Check road conditions with local ranger district offices.

Consider carefully clothing, equipment and vehicle needs, making certain they are adequate for the worst conditions that might be encountered. If planning to drive over snow-covered roads, a high-clearance vehicle may be best, and don’t forget to carry tire chains and a shovel.

Carry extra clothing, food and tools for those unexpected mishaps that may happen.

Christmas tree permits may be placed on the driver’s side dashboard in lieu of a Northwest Forest Pass when parking at a trailhead. However, once enough snow accumulates and selected trailhead parking areas convert to Sno-Parks, a valid Washington State Sno-Park permit must be displayed on the vehicle windshield when parking at any State Sno-Park.

Gifford Pinchot National Forest to have Christmas Tree Permits on sale Nov. 13VANCOUVER, WA – Permits to harvest a Christmas tree from the Gifford Pinchot National Forest will be available this year beginning Nov. 13, 2013.Permits may be purchased for $5 per tree at all ranger district offices, the Forest Headquarters in Vancouver and at several commercial vendor locations. Permits may also be available through the mail. The permits are valid for one-time use only. Please contact your nearest Forest Service office for more details.Before setting out on your trip, check the web and call the forest office nearest your destination for the latest in road and weather updates. Be alert for unpredictable weather and hazardous driving conditions.Current road status reports and closures can be found on the forest's website at http://www.fs.usda.gov/giffordpinchot/. For information on forest closures please see the forest Alerts and Notices page at http://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/giffordpinchot/alerts-notices.Special Instructions:· Mount Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument is closed to tree cutting.· Cut one tree per permit. Five permits maximum per household.· Christmas tree permits are not refundable for any reason.· Tree cutting is prohibited in Wildernesses, developed campgrounds, administrative sites, within 300 feet of streams, on private or state-owned lands within national forest boundaries and in other posted areas.· Gifford Pinchot National Forest Christmas tree permits are not valid on other land ownerships.· Cutting on private lands is subject to trespass action.· If unsure about areas available for tree cutting, contact the nearest Forest Service office.Safety Tips:· Be prepared for cold and changing winter weather conditions.· Carry tire chains, shovel, flashlights, and blanket in your vehicle.· Bring extra food and hot beverages.· Arrive at your Christmas tree cutting area early to avoid travel in the dark.· Wear proper winter clothing and carry extras in case you get wet.· Most National Forest roads are not maintained or snowplowed during the winter.· Drive safely and slowly - turn on your lights and watch for ice.· Tell someone where you are going and when to expect you back.A Christmas Tree Cutting Fact Sheet is available at all Forest Service offices.The Mt. Adams and Cowlitz Valley ranger district offices are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., closed for lunch from noon until 1 p.m. daily.Forest Headquarters in Vancouver and the Mount St Helens National Volcanic Monument Headquarters in Amboy are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.All offices will be closed on Thanksgiving Day.Christmas tree permits available on Utah national forests

Salt Lake City, Utah, November 5, 2013 – The holiday season is coming and thousands of people every year cut their Christmas tree in national forests. Cutting a Christmas tree in a national forest is a family tradition for many residents of Utah. Weather conditions in the mountains are unpredictable, so always be prepared for winter weather. Stay on designated roads and trails. Be prepared for slick, snow-packed roads and have chains, a 4-wheel drive vehicle, or a snow machine available. Let someone know where you are planning to go and approximate time you will return. Carry a cell phone; bring additional warm clothing, good, warm gloves, boots, and a container of hot liquid, water, lunch or snack, as it may take longer than expected. Carry a flashlight, chains, shovel, first-aid kit, matches, a hatchet, ax or handsaw, and rope to secure your tree. Tree permits are for personal use only, and cash and checks are the only accepted method of payment. Trees must always be cut close to the ground leaving the stump no higher than 6 inches. A shovel will come in handy to dig through the snow to reach the base of the tree. Make sure your permit is attached to the tree before leaving the cutting area. TREE TOPPING IS NOT ALLOWED. No cutting within 200 feet of riparian areas (lakes and streams) roads, campgrounds, picnic areas, administrative sites, summer home areas, or within designated closed areas shown on tree cutting area maps.

ASHLEY NATIONAL FOREST: (435) 789-1181 – http://fs.usda.gov/ashley Flaming Gorge Ranger District: (435) 784-3445 - Permits go on sale Friday, November 22, 2013. Permits will be available at the Flaming Gorge Ranger District Office, intersection Highway 43 & 44, Manila, Utah from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Permits will also be available at Flaming Gorge Resort, Highway 191, Dutch John, Utah, Sunday-Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Friday and Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Permits will also be sold at the Green River Office, located inside the Green River Chamber office, 1155 Flaming Gorge Way, Green River, Wyoming, Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. and Saturday, November 23 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Cost of the nonrefundable permit is $10.00.

Vernal Ranger District: (435) 789-1181 - Permits go on sale Friday, November 22, 2013. Permits may be purchased at the Vernal Office, located at 355 North Vernal Avenue in Vernal, Utah, Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Permits may also be purchased at the following businesses 7 days a week; Davis Jubilee Store, 575 West Main, in Vernal, (435) 789-2001, and Shirley’s Country Corner, 6982 North 9500 East, Highway 12 in LaPoint, (435) 247-2690. Permits are $10.00.

DIXIE NATIONAL FOREST: (435) 865-3700 – http://fs.usda.gov/dixie Cedar City Ranger District: (435) 865-3700 - Permits go on sale Monday, November 4, 2013. Permits can be obtained at the Cedar City Ranger District, 1789 North Wedgewood Lane, Cedar City, Utah from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Permits will also be available at Hurst Ace Hardware Store, 165 South Main, Cedar City, Utah (435) 865-9335. Permits are $10.00 for a tree up to 10 feet and $20.00 for a tree 11 feet to 20 feet, one permit per household, two trees maximum. The only species of trees that can be cut are Sub-Alpine Fir, White Fir, and Pinyon Pine. Please check with the Cedar City Ranger District office before traveling to obtain the most current road condition information.

Escalante Ranger District: (435) 826-5400 - Permits go on sale Thursday, November 7, 2013. Permits can be purchased at the Escalante Ranger District, 755 West Main, Escalante, Utah from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Permits may also be bought at Antimony Merc, Antimony, Utah (435) 624-3253, 7 days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Contact the Escalante Ranger District for a list of other vendors. Permits are $10.00, one permit per household, one tree only. All species of tree may be cut, except Bristlecone Pine.

Powell Ranger District: (435) 676-9300 - Permits are now available and can be purchased at the Powell Ranger District, 225 East Center Street, Panguitch, Utah from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Permits are $10.00 for a tree up to 10 feet and $20.00 for a tree 11 feet to 20 feet. All species of trees can be cut, except Bristlecone Pine. To obtain a permit by mail, contact the Powell Ranger District.

St. George Interagency Visitor Center: (435) 688-3246 or (435) 652-3100 - Permits go on sale Monday, November 4, 2013. Permits can be purchased at the Visitor Center, 345 East Riverside Drive, St. George, Utah, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Permits may also be purchased at Veyo Mercantile, 13 North Main Street, Veyo, Utah (435) 574-2749, Monday through Thursday, 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and Friday and Saturdays from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Permits are $10.00; Pinyon Pine and Juniper are the only species of trees that may be cut. One person can purchase up to 5 tags.

FISHLAKE NATIONAL FOREST: (435) 896-9233 – http://fs.usda.gov/fishlake Beaver Ranger District: (435) 438-2436 – Permits may be purchased at the Ranger District office, 575 South Main, Beaver, Utah, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Friday. Permits are $10.00. Blue Spruce may NOT be cut. Trees are NOT to be cut in the Merchant Valley Summer Home area or along the visible edge of SR-153. As a convenience to the public, permits will be available again this year at:

Fillmore Ranger District: (435) 743-5721 – Permits will be sold November 18 through December 20 at the office in Fillmore, 390 South Main Street, Fillmore, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The Fillmore District will be open on Saturdays, November 30, December 7, and December 14, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Purchase limit is one permit per household (additional tags may be purchased for neighbors, family members, etc.). Suggested cutting areas are as follows: Whiskey Creek, John Williams Canyon, Chalk Creek, Meadow Creek, Cove Fort, Willow Creek, and Wild Goose Canyon. NO trees may be cut in Dry Creek and Oak Creek Canyon.

Fremont River Ranger District: (435) 836-2811 - Permits may be purchased at the Fremont River Ranger District Office, 138 South Main, Loa, Utah from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday. Permits are $10.00. The Fishlake Basin Recreation Area, including Johnson Valley, is closed to tree cutting from the Forest Boundary on the west to Zedd’s Meadow on the east.

MANTI-LASAL NATIONAL FOREST: http://fs.usda.gov/mantilasal Ferron/Price Ranger Districts: (435) 384-2372/ (435) 637-2817 and Moab/Monticello Ranger Districts: (435) 259-7155/ (435) 587-2041 - Permits will be on sale at all offices of the Manti-La Sal National Forest beginning Monday, November 25 for $10 each. District offices (Ephraim, Ferron, Moab and Monticello) are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Supervisor’s Office in Price is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. There is a limit of three permits per person. Purchasers will need to provide a check or exact change. There will be no refunds. To buy a permit for a tree over 8 feet in height, the buyer must pay 50 cents per additional foot, payable when the permit is purchased.

The Forest will also be selling tree permits through the mail. Customers should send a self-addressed envelope, request for the permit, provide their name, mailing address, phone number, and a check for $10/per permit in an envelope marked “Attention: Christmas Tree Sales.” Make checks payable to: USDA Forest Service. A permit will be sent by return mail. A purchaser may request authorization for trees taller than 8 feet (see above) as part of their order, and include the additional costs in their check payment.

In addition, the following private vendors will be selling permits: Choice Hardware & Home Center, 1005 N. Main, Nephi; Beck’s Home Furnishings, 14 West Main, Mt. Pleasant; Rasmussen Ace Hardware, 435 South Main, Gunnison; The Main Street Market, 15 W. Main Street, Ferron and Sutherland Lumber, 406 S Hwy 55, Price. The cost for permits is the same regardless of where they are purchased. Customers traveling long distances for permits should call in advance to determine if permits are still available.

UINTA-WASATCH-CACHE NATIONAL FORESTS: (801) 999-2103 http://fs.usda.gov/uwcnf Evanston/Mt. View Ranger Districts: (307) 789-3194 and (307) 782-6555 - Permits for the Evanston area go on sale Friday, November 15, 2013. Permits are $10.00, one permit per household, one tree only. Permits can be purchased at the Evanston Ranger District Office, 1565 South Highway 150, Suite A, Evanston, Wyoming, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Permits may also be purchased at the Bear River Lodge located 30 miles south of Evanston on the Mirror Lake Highway, (435) 642-6289. Any species of tree may be cut, but Lodgepole Pine is the main species in the area. Snow conditions may require permit holders to use snowmobiles, cross-country skies, or snowshoes to access the cutting area.

Permits for the Mt. View area go on sale, Friday, November 15, 2013. Permits are $10.00, one permit per household, one tree only. Permits can be purchased at the Mountain View Ranger District, 321 Highway 414, Mountain View, Wyoming, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday only. Permits may also be purchased at the Maverick Store (307) 782-6693 located at 655 N. Highway 414 in Mountain View, Wyoming, 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. Any species of tree may be cut, but Lodgepole Pine is the main species in the area. The gates on the Mirror Lake Highway and on the North Slope Road are typically closed during the first week of December, limiting access for people without a snow machine. Cutting is not allowed in the Lily Lake Cross Country Ski Area.

Spanish Fork Ranger District: (801) 798-3571 - Permits will be sold on Wednesday, November 20th, at the Spanish Fork Ranger District located at 44 West 400 North, Spanish Fork, Utah, One tree permit per adult (16 years of age and older) will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis until 400 tags are sold. Tree cutting permits are $10.00 and are for designated cutting areas within the Vernon area located in Tooele County on the Spanish Fork Ranger District. Only pinyon pine or juniper trees 20 feet tall or shorter may be cut and removed. Trees may be cut until December 24th and all trees must be tagged prior to transporting them.

For information pertaining to Christmas tree cutting on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) areas contact the BLM State Office at (801) 539-4001 or the BLM Salt Lake District (801) 977-4300. For information pertaining to tree cutting on Utah State Lands call (801)538-7302

Cache County, Utah - August 21, 2013 Update -- Millville Fire The fire is approximately 2864 acres and is 65% contained. Personnel assigned to the fire, include 3 engines. Crews finished securing line as of last night. There will be 3 engine crews monitoring the Blacksmith Fork canyon for the next several days. Land managers expect there will be smokes visible from the interior of the fire for the next several weeks, however the smoke will be well within the fire’s perimeter and will not pose a risk of spread. The incident will transition from a Type III incident to a Type IV incident by Thursday morning. The Millville Fire started on Sunday morning, August 11, 2013 by lightning. Fire Information: Jason Winn Office (435) 755-1674 Cell (435) 881-5843

Cache County, Utah - August 20, 2013 8pm Update -- Millville Fire The fire is approximately 2864 acres and is 65% contained. Significant progress was made today. Crews worked on the ridge between Millville canyon and Blacksmith Fork canyon crews were able to rehab and grid the fire line as they made there way off the mountain this evening. A helicopter was used today to shuttle gear and equipment off the mountain. Personnel assigned to the fire, included 2 hand crews, 3 engines, and 1 helicopter. All restrictions for Blacksmith Fork canyon Millville canyon and Left Hand Fork canyon where lifted this morning. Officials caution anyone traveling the canyon not to stop on the road fire crews will be working in the area. Officials also caution there may be some rocks on the road due to fall out from the fire. Land managers expect there will be smokes visible from the interior of the fire for the next several weeks, however the smoke will be well within the fire’s perimeter and will not pose a risk of spread. Fire personnel will monitor the fire area after the fire is considered fully contained. The Millville Fire started on Sunday morning, August 11, 2013 by lightning.

Cache County, Utah - August 19, 2013 8pm Update -- Millville Fire The fire is approximately 2864 acres and is 65% contained. Significant progress was made today. Crews worked along the Blacksmith Fork road and the Left Hand Fork road thinning brush and chipping the slash. On the ridge between Millville canyon and Blacksmith Fork canyon crews maintained the secured line and took suppression actions on accessible interior fire. Two helicopters dropped retardant in the morning and switched to water in the afternoon. 139 personnel are assigned to the fire, including 5 hand crews, 3 engines, and 2 helicopters. Very low humidity, high temperatures, terrain driven winds, along with very dry fuels continues. The potential for explosive fire behavior still exists. Therefore, the mandatory evacuations and road closures remain in effect. Fire managers and agency officials are periodically monitoring the situation. It is anticipated that with today’s reduction of active fire conditions are becoming more favorable. The evacuation area begins at the mouth of Blacksmiths Fork canyon. The subdivisions at the mouth of the canyon are not included within the evacuation area. The evacuation area extends east to the intersection with the Left Hand Fork road. The mandatory evacuation also includes the Left Hand Fork Canyon area beginning at the Left Hand Fork road intersection with Blacksmith Fork road and extends to the Gray Cliff springs. The Blacksmiths Fork Canyon road (Hwy 101) remains closed to all nonessential traffic beginning at the Cache National Forest entrance sign and extends east to the intersection with the Left Hand Fork road. The Left Hand Fork road is also closed to nonessential traffic. Millville Canyon remains closed. Trails in the Left Hand Fork, Richards Hollow, Herd Hollow, and Gray Cliff springs areas are closed. Land managers expect there will be smokes visible from the interior of the fire for the next several weeks, however the smoke will be well within the fire’s perimeter and will not pose a risk of spread. Fire personnel will monitor the fire area after the fire is considered fully contained. The Millville Fire started on Sunday morning, August 11, 2013 by lightning. Fire Information: Jason Winn Fred Noack Ofc 435 755-1674 801 690-4081 Cell 435 881-5843

Cache County, Utah - August 18, 2013 8am Update -- Millville Fire The fire is approximately 2864 acres and is 40% contained. Movement of the fire was kept in check, largely due to repeated water or retardant drops by the 3 helicopters assigned to the incident. Crews continued working along the Blacksmith Fork road and the Left Hand Fork road thinning brush. On the ridge between Millville canyon and Blacksmith Fork canyon crews maintained the secured line and took suppression actions on accessible interior fire. The two heavy helicopters began dropping retardant which is more effective than water as retardant stays on the surface of the vegetation longer. With today’s capability to use retardant--defensible fire lines can be established with multiple helicopter drops along the fire’s perimeter. This is an advantage when working within steep rocky terrain where hand crews cannot be used to construct fire lines. 200 personnel are assigned to the fire, including 6 hand crews, 12 engines, and 3 helicopters. An additional Type 1 (Hot Shot) crew has been ordered, however due to the number of wildfires in the western US have been available. Very low humidity, high temperatures, terrain driven winds, along with very dry fuels creates the potential for explosive fire behavior. Therefore, the mandatory evacuations and road closures remain in effect. The threat to structures remains due to these extreme fire conditions and the potential for rapid spread. Fire managers and agency officials are periodically monitoring the situation. While it is expected that conditions will change sufficiently to allow access within the next several days, managers expect there will be smokes visible from the interior of the fire for weeks. The evacuation area begins at the mouth of Blacksmiths Fork canyon. The subdivisions at the mouth of the canyon are not included within the evacuation area. The evacuation area extends east to the intersection with the Left Hand Fork road. The mandatory evacuation also includes the Left Hand Fork Canyon area beginning at the Left Hand Fork road intersection with Blacksmith Fork road and extends to the Gray Cliff springs. The Blacksmiths Fork Canyon road (Hwy 101) remains closed to all nonessential traffic beginning at the Cache National Forest entrance sign and extends east to the intersection with the Left Hand Fork road. The Left Hand Fork road is also closed to nonessential traffic. Millville Canyon remains closed. Trails in the Left Hand Fork, Richards Hollow, Herd Hollow, and Gray Cliff springs areas are closed. The Millville Fire started on Sunday morning, August 11, 2013 by lightning. Fire Information: Larry Lucas Fred Noack 801 573-6622 801 690-4081

Cache County, Utah - August 18, 2013 8am Update -- Millville Fire The fire is approximately 2864 acres and is 35% contained. Late Saturday evening high winds on the fire increased fire activity considerably especially at the eastern edge of the fire, however crews and helicopter water drops were able to keep it from crossing north over the ridgetop separating the Millville Canyon and the Blacksmith Fork Canyon. Today crews will continue working along the Blacksmith Fork road clearing brush and securing the line from rolling burning debris. On the ridge between Millville canyon and Blacksmith Fork canyon crews will continue maintaining the secured line and taking suppression actions on accessible interior fire. Helicopters will continue the bucket drops on hot spots within the unburned pockets of vegetation near the ridgeline. Beginning today helicopters will have the capability to drop retardant in addition to water which will improve their effectiveness. Retardant is of a consistency that stays on the surface of vegetation much longer. The construction of a north/south line between the ridge and the Blacksmith Fork road to stop the eastward fire progression continues. Once completed, to be effective, the line will have to be reinforced. Burnouts will be used to create a more defensible line, however they can only occur when the appropriate level of resources and favorable weather conditions occur. Very low humidity, high temperatures, terrain driven winds along with very dry fuels continue to create extreme fire behavior conditions. 170 personnel are assigned to the fire, including 6 hand crews, 11 engines, and 3 helicopters. An additional Type 1 (Hot Shot) crew has been ordered, however due to the number of wildfires in the western US have been available. The mandatory evacuations and road closures are still in effect. The threat to structures (approximately 167 residences) remains due to the extreme fire behavior conditions. Fire managers and agency officials are periodically monitoring conditions, however any change is not likely without a change in fire conditions. The evacuation area begins at the mouth of Blacksmiths Fork canyon. The subdivisions at the mouth of the canyon are not included within the evacuation area. The evacuation area extends east to the intersection with the Left Hand Fork road. The mandatory evacuation also includes the Left Hand Fork Canyon area beginning at the Left Hand Fork road intersection with Blacksmith Fork road and extends to the Gray Cliff springs. The Blacksmiths Fork Canyon road (Hwy 101) remains closed to all nonessential traffic beginning at the Cache National Forest entrance sign and extends east to the intersection with the Left Hand Fork road. The Left Hand Fork road is also closed to nonessential traffic. Millville Canyon remains closed. Trails in the Left Hand Fork, Richards Hollow, Herd Hollow, and Gray Cliff springs areas are closed. The Millville Fire started on Sunday morning, August 11, 2013 by lightning. Fire Information: Larry Lucas Fred Noack 801 573-6622 801 690-4081

Cache County, Utah - August 17, 2013 7pm Update -- Millville Fire The fire is approximately 2848 acres and is 35% contained. Today crews continued working along the Blacksmith Fork road clearing brush to reduce fuels along the highway. On the ridge between Millville canyon and Blacksmith Fork road crews secured existing line and took suppression actions on accessible interior fire. Helicopters continued the bucket drops on hot spots within the unburned pockets of vegetation near the ridgeline. Construction of a north/south line between the ridge and the Blacksmith Fork road to stop the eastward fire progression will continue. This is a slow task due to the rugged terrain. Once completed to be effective the line will have to be reinforced. Burnouts along the line toward the active fire are probable when favorable conditions occur. Very low humidity, high temperatures, terrain driven winds along with very dry fuels continue to create extreme fire behavior conditions. Temperatures did not cool over the fire today as expected. Scattered thunderstorms were in the fire area late in the afternoon causing erratic winds. 170 personnel are assigned to the fire, including 6 hand crews, five engines, and 3 helicopters. An additional Type 1 (Hot Shot) crew has been ordered, however due to the number of wildfires in the western US none are available. The mandatory evacuations and road closures are still in effect. The threat to structures remains due to the extreme fire behavior conditions. Fire managers and agency officials are periodically monitoring conditions, however any change is not likely without a change in fire conditions. The evacuation area begins at the mouth of Blacksmiths Fork canyon. The subdivisions at the mouth of the canyon are not included within the evacuation area. The evacuation area extends east to the intersection with the Left Hand Fork road. The mandatory evacuation also includes the Left Hand Fork Canyon area beginning at the Left Hand Fork road intersection with Blacksmith Fork road and extends to the Gray Cliff springs. The Blacksmiths Fork Canyon road (Hwy 101) remains closed to all nonessential traffic beginning at the Cache National Forest entrance sign and extends east to the intersection with the Left Hand Fork road. The Left Hand Fork road is also closed to nonessential traffic. Millville Canyon remains closed. Trails in the Left Hand Fork, Richards Hollow, Herd Hollow, and Gray Cliff springs areas are closed. The Millville Fire started on Sunday morning, August 11, 2013 by lightning. Fire Information: Larry Lucas Fred Noack 801 573-6622 801 690-4081

Cache County, Utah - August 17, 2013 8am Update -- Millville Fire The fire is approximately 2848 acres and is 30% contained. The fire line is considered black and secure for most of the western half of the fire. The challenge remains the eastern half. Today crews will continue working along the Blacksmith Fork road clearing brush to reduce fuels along the highway. This action strengthens the ability to stop any fire spread that approaches the road. On the ridge between Millville canyon and Blacksmith Fork road crews continue building new line, securing existing line, and taking suppression actions on accessible interior fire. Helicopters will continue water drops on hot spots within the unburned pockets of vegetation near the ridgeline. Construction of a north/south line between the ridge and the Blacksmith Fork road to stop the eastward fire progression will continue. This is a complex task due to the very steep rugged terrain. In this type terrain any line constructed will have to be reinforced with the use of backfires which can only be initiated under certain conditions. Very low humidity, high temperatures, terrain driven winds along with very dry fuels continue to create extreme fire behavior conditions. While temperatures have slightly cooled and additional air moisture has moved into the area conditions have not mitigated the threat of rapid fire spread especially if dry thunderstorm wind events move close to the fire area. 190 personnel are working on the fire, including 6 hand crews, five engines, and 4 helicopters. Additional Type 1 (Hot Shot) crews have been ordered, however they have not been available due to the number of wildfires in the western US. The mandatory evacuations and road closures are still in effect. The threat to structures remains due to the extreme fire behavior conditions that exist. Fire managers and agency officials are periodically monitoring conditions, however any change is not likely without a change in fire conditions. The evacuation area begins at the mouth of Blacksmiths Fork canyon. The subdivisions at the mouth of the canyon are not included within the evacuation area. The evacuation area extends east to the intersection with the Left Hand Fork road. The mandatory evacuation also includes the Left Hand Fork Canyon area beginning at the Left Hand Fork road intersection with Blacksmith Fork road and extends to the Gray Cliff springs. The Blacksmiths Fork Canyon road (Hwy 101) remains closed to all nonessential traffic beginning at the Cache National Forest entrance sign and extends east to the intersection with the Left Hand Fork road. The Left Hand Fork road is also closed to nonessential traffic. Millville Canyon remains closed. Trails in the Left Hand Fork, Richards Hollow, Herd Hollow, and Gray Cliff springs areas are closed. The Millville Fire started on Sunday morning, August 11, 2013 by lightning. Fire Information: Larry Lucas Fred Noack 801 573-6622 801 690-4081

7pm Update -- Millville Fire The fire is approximately 2842 acres and is 30% contained. Crews worked along the Blacksmith Fork road clearing brush which reduces the fuel load. This action strengthens the ability to stop any fire activity that approaches the road. It also facilitates backfire operations if they become necessary. On the ridge between Millville canyon and Blacksmith Fork road crews continued building new line, securing existing line, and taking suppression actions on accessible interior fire. Helicopters made repeated water drops all day—working at reducing fire activity with the unburned pockets of vegetation near the ridgeline. Efforts began at constructing a north/south line between the ridge and the Blacksmith Fork road to stop the eastward fire progression. This is a complex task due to the very steep rugged terrain. It will take several days to complete and reinforce sufficiently to effectively impede any advance of the fire, especially if winds develop. The Red Flag Alert remains in effect through 9pm Friday evening. A fire weather watch has been forecasted for Saturday. Very low humidity, high temperatures, terrain driven winds along with very dry fuels continue to create extreme fire behavior conditions. In the type of terrain within the fire’s perimeter aviation resources are critical to effective suppression progress. A Northern Utah Type 3 Incident Command Team continues managing the incident. 190 personnel are working on the fire, including 6 hand crews, five engines, and 4 helicopters. Additional Type 1 (Hot Shot) crews and helicopters have been ordered, however they have not been available due to the number of wildfires in the western US. The mandatory evacuations and road closures are still in effect. Fire managers and agency officials are periodically monitoring conditions to determine possible alternative options, however any change is not likely without a change in fire conditions. The evacuation area begins at the mouth of Blacksmiths Fork canyon. The area does not include any of the subdivisions at the mouth of the canyon. The highway road block is set up at the intersection of the Hollow road. The evacuation area extends east to the intersection with the Left Hand Fork road (approximately 6 miles). The mandatory evacuation also includes the Left Hand Fork Canyon area beginning at the Left Hand Fork road intersection with Blacksmith Fork road and extends to the Gray Cliff springs area (approximately 7 miles). The Blacksmiths Fork Canyon road (Hwy 101) remains closed to all nonessential traffic from the intersection with the Hollow road east to the intersection with the Left Hand Fork road. The Left Hand Fork road is also closed to nonessential traffic. Hwy 101 is now open from the intersection with the Ant Flat road to the intersection with the Left Hand Fork road. Access had been restricted between these points since Wednesday evening. Millville Canyon remains closed. Trails in the Left Hand Fork, Richards Hollow, Herd Hollow, and Gray Cliff springs areas are closed. The Millville Fire started on Sunday morning, August 11, 2013 by lightning. Fire Information: Larry Lucas Fred Noack 801 573-6622 801 690-4081

Cache County, Utah - August 16, 2013 9am Update -- Millville Fire The fire is approximately 2800 acres and is 30% contained. The strike team of engines that arrived on the incident yesterday worked throughout the night primarily along the Blacksmith Fork road suppressing burning debris close to the road. The fire continues to be held north of the Blacksmith Fork road. The Red Flag Alert remains in effect today. Very low humidity, high temperatures, terrain driven winds along with very dry fuels continue to create extreme fire behavior conditions. Aviation resources are critical to maintain the suppression progress achieved the previous day. Today 2 heavy, 1 medium, and 1 light helicopters will be used dropping water. Air tanker support is available. Hand crews will continue securing the fire line along the ridge between Millville Canyon and Blacksmiths Fork Canyon, as well as patrolling for “slop-overs”. In addition crews will continue working the Blacksmiths Fork road to insure the fire remains north of the road. While fire managers have been pinching the fire between the Blacksmiths Fork road and Millville Canyon towards the intersection of the Blacksmith Fork road and the Left Hand Fork road the plan is to utilize suitable terrain and coupled with helicopter water-drops stop the advance eastward. Burnout operations will occur when conditions are favorable and where necessary. A Northern Utah Type 3 Incident Command Team continues managing the incident. 170 personnel are working on the fire, including 6 hand crews, five engines, and 4 helicopters. The mandatory evacuations and road closures are still in effect. Fire managers and agency officials are periodically monitoring conditions to determine possible alternative options, however any change is not likely without a change in fire conditions. The evacuation area begins at the mouth of Blacksmiths Fork canyon. The area does not include any of the subdivisions at the mouth of the canyon. The highway road block is set up at the intersection of the Hollow road. The evacuation area extends east to the intersection with the Left Hand Fork road (approximately 6 miles). The mandatory evacuation also includes the Left Hand Fork Canyon area beginning at the Left Hand Fork road intersection with Blacksmith Fork road and extends to the Gray Cliff springs area (approximately 7 miles). The Blacksmiths Fork Canyon road (Hwy 101) remains closed to all nonessential traffic from the intersection with the Hollow road east to the intersection with the Left Hand Fork road. The Left Hand Fork road is also closed to nonessential traffic. Hwy 101 is now open from the intersection with the Ant Flat road to the intersection with the Left Hand Fork road. Access had been restricted between these points since Wednesday evening. Millville Canyon remains closed. Trails in the Left Hand Fork, Richards Hollow, Herd Hollow, and Gray Cliff springs areas are closed. The Millville Fire started on Sunday morning, August 11, 2013 by lightning. Fire Information: Larry Lucas Fred Noack 801 573-6622 801 690-4081

Cache County, Utah - August 15, 2013 7pm Update -- Millville Fire Firefighters had a very good day today significantly slowing the spread of the fire. The fire is approximately 2800 acres and is now 30% contained. While the windy, low humidity, and high temperatures existed throughout the day, the success was due to the availability and use of aviation resources. 4 air tankers and 3 heavy helicopters worked the fire for most of the day which allowed ground crews to catch up. Thursday, fire crews worked securing the fire line along the ridge between Millville Canyon and Blacksmiths Fork Canyon as well as the “slop-overs” to the north that occurred yesterday . In addition crews continued working the Blacksmiths Fork road to insure the fire remained north of the road. A strike team of five fire engines arrived today and will be on line beginning tonight. While fire managers are pinching the fire towards the intersection of the Blacksmith Fork road and the Left Hand Fork road they plan to find a location and stop the advance well before that point. Burnout operations will occur when conditions are favorable, largely used to stop the fire’s downslope progression toward the Blacksmith Fork road. A Northern Utah Type 3 Incident Command Team continues managing the incident. 170 personnel are working on the fire, including five hand crews, five engines, 4 helicopters, and 4 air tankers. The mandatory evacuations and road closures will continue until conditions change. The Red Flag alert that has been effect for the past 2 days is now forecasted to continue through most of Friday. These same conditions contributed to the fire spread which occurred Wednesday which prompted the evacuations. The evacuation area begins at the mouth of Blacksmiths Fork canyon. The area does not include any of the subdivisions at the mouth of the canyon. The highway road block is set up at the intersection of the Hollow road. The evacuation area extends east to the intersection with the Left Hand Fork road (approximately 6 miles). The mandatory evacuation also includes the Left Hand Fork Canyon area beginning at the Left Hand Fork road intersection with Blacksmith Fork road and extends to the Gray Cliff springs area (approximately 7 miles). The Blacksmiths Fork Canyon road is closed to all nonessential traffic from the intersection with the Hollow road to the Left Hand Fork road. The Left Hand Fork road is also closed to nonessential traffic. Millville Canyon remains closed. Trails in the Left Hand Fork, Richards Hollow, Herd Hollow, and Gray Cliff springs areas are closed. A public meeting is scheduled tonight at the Heritage Elementary School gymnasium in Nibley (925 W. 3200 S.) beginning at 8pm. Fire managers would like to provide an update on the status of the fire and discuss the evacuations that are currently in effect. The Millville Fire started on Sunday morning, August 11, 2013 by lightning. Fire Information: Larry Lucas Fred Noack 801 573-6622 801 690-4081

The Mt. Elmer fire is located southeast of Mt. Elmer in the Mt. Naomi Wilderness Area (Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest). The fire is approximately 10 miles northeast of Logan Utah. The fire was ignited by lightning last Friday August 10th.The fire exhibited significant smoke today and was easily visible from Logan.The fire is not staffed at this time due to higher priority fires elsewhere, however the Forest Service is monitoring the fire daily.Larry LucasTel: 801 573-6622 (lclucas@fs.fed.us)

Late this afternoon the Millville Fire experienced extreme fire activity resulting in a major run (primarily towards the southeast). Additional acres burned is estimated at 500 to 700 acres. Mandatory evacuations are in effect for recreationists and residents. The area evacuation includes Blacksmith Fork Canyon from the Sleepy Hollow Road turnoff at the mouth of the canyon to the intersection with the Left Hand Fork (approximately 6 miles). The evacuation also includes the Left Hand Fork road from its intersection with the Blacksmiths Fork road to the Grey Cliff Springs area (approximately 7 miles). The area evacuated is sparsely populated with some full time residents, but mostly weekend homes. Along Left Hand fork road there are a few residences as well, mostly close to the intersection with the Blacksmiths Fork road. Camping is popular along the Left Hand Fork road, however because it’s the middle of the week there were relatively few people in the area. Only traffic essential to the evacuation are authorized on those roads within the evacuation area.Look for a formal fire update later this evening as additional information is obtained.Larry LucasTel: 801 573-6622 (lclucas@fs.fed.us)

Cache County, Utah - August 14, 2013 8 am Update -- Millville Fire A high wind event Tuesday evening created additional fire spread into unburned areas of fuel on the south end of the fire. This required additional burnout operations from the Blacksmith’s Fork road. The burnout successfully removed fuels between the road and the interior of the fire. The fire remains north of the Blacksmith’ s Fork road. The fire’s perimeter still remains largely unchanged, approximately 2250 acres has burned and is 20% contained. The large areas of unburned fuel within the perimeter which creates the potential for spotting and poses a threat to containment is the greatest challenge to fire fighters. Wednesday Fire crews will continue to work at securing the southern part of the fire along the Blacksmiths Fork road as well as keeping fire out of interior islands of unburned vegetation within critical drainages near the south and southeast flanks of the fire. A Red Flag alert will be in effect beginning at 9am today through Thursday. Due to the increased wind, coupled with the low humidity fire managers anticipate reoccurring spread from the interior similar to what occurred Tuesday evening. The remaining fire activity is in very steep terrain making fire line construction extremely difficult. Most of line work can only be effective either on ridge tops and along roads. The work requires a compliment of helicopter water drops to be the most effective. A Northern Utah Type 3 Incident Command Team continues managing the incident. 150 personnel are working on the fire, including five hand crews, five engines, 2 helicopters, and 2 air tankers are available. Due to priorities on other fires in Northern Utah helicopters and air tankers are periodically called away from the fire to support other wildfire incidents. Millville Canyon remains closed. The road in Blacksmiths Fork Canyon is open to through traffic only. People driving up the Blacksmiths Fork road must keep moving and not stop to observe the fire or watch fire-fighting operations. Additional law enforcement presence will be in place to keep people from pulling off the Blacksmith’s Fork road in order to view the fire. The Millville Fire started on Sunday morning, August 11, 2013 by lightning. Fire Information: Larry Lucas 801-573-6622

Cache County, Utah - August 13, 2013 Millville Fire Fire crew’s continue to make progress. Relatively calm winds throughout the day aided firefighting efforts. The fire’s perimeter remained unchanged, approximately 2250 acres has burned and is 20% contained. There remains large areas of unburned fuel within the perimeter which creates the potential for spotting and poses a threat to containment. Fire crews worked primarily at securing the southern part of the fire along the Blacksmiths Fork road as well as keeping fire out of interior islands of unburned vegetation within critical drainages near the south and southeast flanks of the fire. Most of the remaining fire activity is occurring in very steep terrain making fire line construction difficult. A Northern Utah Type 3 Incident Command Team continues managing the incident. 150 personnel are working on the fire, including five hand crews, five engines, 2 helicopters, and 2 air tankers. Periodically the helicopters and air tankers are called away from the fire to support other wildfire incidents in the area. The structure protection plan for the Chokecherry Subdivision will not be in effect Tuesday night as the threat has been significantly mitigated, however firefighters will continue to periodically patrol the area. Millville Canyon remains closed. The road in Blacksmiths Fork Canyon is open to through traffic only. People driving up the Blacksmiths Fork road must keep moving and not stop to observe the fire or watch fire-fighting operations. The Millville Fire started on Sunday morning, August 11, 2013 by lightning. Fire Information: Larry Lucas 801-573-6622

Cache County, Utah - August 13, 2013 9 am Update -- Millville Fire Fire crews successfully completed the burnout east of the community of Hyrum Monday evening significantly reducing the threat to the nearby Chokecherry subdivision. The burnout was an expected part of the protection plan, however timing of the operation occurred much sooner than expected as favorable conditions developed in the late afternoon. Today’s efforts will focus on the fire’s south and southeast flanks, with a primary objective to keep the fire north of the Black Smith Fork Canyon road. The fire is approximately 2250 acres and remains approximately ten percent contained. The fire is burning in very steep terrain making fire line construction difficult. Containment calculations are typically updated after each day’s operation. A Northern Utah Type 3 Incident Command Team is managing the incident. 150 personnel are working on the fire, including five hand crews, five engines, 2 helicopters, and 2 air tankers. A structure protection plan for the Chokecherry Subdivision at the mouth of the canyon will remain in effect until conditions change. Millville Canyon is closed. The road in Black Smiths Fork Canyon remains open to through traffic only. People driving up the Black Smiths Fork road must keep moving and not stop to observe the fire or watch fire-fighting operations. Other than 3 utility poles no structures have been damaged and no injuries to firefighters have been reported. The Millville Fire started on Sunday morning, August 11, 2013 by lightning. Fire Information: Larry Lucas 801-573-6622

Cache County, Utah - August 12, 2013 1800 Update --Millville Fire Fire crews worked throughout the day focusing efforts in the Black Smith Fork Canyon area near the community of Millville, Cache County.

Red flag conditions existed during much of the afternoon with gusty winds of 20-25 mph, creating smoky conditions especially in the Hyrum area. Firefighters continue constructing fire line around the perimeter of the fire. The fire is approximately 2200 acres and is ten percent contained. A Northern Utah Type 3 Incident Command Team is managing the incident. 150 personnel are working on the fire, including five hand crews, five engines, 2 helicopters, and 2 air tankers. Additional hand crews are expected to arrive on Tuesday to assist the efforts. The primary concern as of late Monday is the mouth of Black Smith Fork Canyon. No evacuations are in effect nor are any anticipated. While no structures are threatened as a precaution a structure protection plan has been developed for the Chokecherry Subdivision at the mouth of the canyon and will be implemented beginning Monday night. Millville Canyon remains closed. The road in Black Smiths Fork Canyon remains open to through traffic only. No structures have been damaged and no injuries to firefighters have been reported. The Millville Fire started on Sunday morning, August 11, 2013 by lightning. Fire Information: Larry Lucas 801-573-6622

Salt Lake City, Utah, June 13, 2013 – The summer season means trips to the mountains where families can enjoy fishing, hiking, picnicking and camping in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. Summer time also means that bears are on the move. There have been recent sightings of black bears along the Wasatch Front. For the safety of the public and bears, the Forest Service is encouraging campers and visitors to practice Bear Aware safety while visiting the forest. Thus, there are simple things you can do to avoid an encounter with a black bear. * Keep a clean camp. Keep food scraps and trash out of your campsite. * Keep your dishes and cooking equipment clean. * Cook and store your food away from your sleeping area. * Do not eat in your tent. * Deposit garbage in a bear-resistant refuse container and always pack out what you pack in. * When you are hiking or walking in the woods, travel in a group when possible. Make noises, especially in heavy vegetation and along streams. If a black bear hears you coming, it will try to stay out of your way. * If you encounter a bear, do not run. Make loud noises or hit two rocks together repeatedly, and if it does not run off, walk slowly backwards facing the bear, but avoiding eye contact. Never turn your back on a bear. * Keep in mind that bears tend to be more active at dawn and dusk so plan your hikes accordingly. * Stay on marked trails and obey the regulations of the area you're camping/hiking in. * Make sure that your pet’s food is properly stored. * Mother bears are fierce protectors of their young. If you see cubs, stay well away from the family group. * NEVER feed a bear - yes, they are cute, but they'll want more than you have and will follow you to get it.

By taking these few precautions you can have a safe and enjoyable experience on your National Forest.

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH, May 23, 2013 – It’s time to gather up the kids and the camping gear and head to your favorite camping spot. Memorial Day weekend is the kick off for the summer to come, and traditionally is a very busy weekend at campgrounds and picnic areas on the national forests of Utah. Most campgrounds are now open throughout the state. Higher-elevation campgrounds, roads and trails may still be snow covered or muddy, leaving these areas vulnerable to damage.

Safety is always a concern. Rivers, streams and creeks are running very high and fast and are extremely dangerous. Please be careful and keep a watchful eye on children and pets while recreating in these areas.

Off-highway vehicle users are reminded to ride only where permitted. Remember to always be a responsible rider. If you are planning to use livestock on National Forest lands, remember that you are permitted to use only certified weed free straw, hay or pellets.

When hiking, always carry extra water and food and take along a coat and something to make a fire with, just in case you get stuck on the mountain for the night and in case the weather turns bad. Always, let someone know where you are hiking and approximately what time you will return and don’t hike alone.

As always, please be careful with fire and always check to find out if fire restrictions are currently in place; always clear flammable vegetation and debris 5 feet away from the fire ring;

* always have a full bucket of water close to the campfire; * always have a shovel on hand and available; * always have an adult present; * never have a campfire when it is windy, hot, and dry and always make sure your campfires are dead out before leaving the campsite. * Most importantly, enjoy your national forests!

* Follow us on Twitter, hash tag #UintaWasatchCacheNF

The following is a listing of Forest Service campgrounds that will be open for Memorial Day weekend. Before heading out for the holiday weekend please check with the local Ranger District offices for the most current and up-to-date information concerning the area you are planning to visit.

Ashley National Forest (435) 789-1181 or http://www.fs.usda.gov/ashleyVernal Ranger District (435) 789-1181: Vernal RD: Only Whiterocks and Iron Springs areas will be open for Memorial Day weekend. The Yurts won’t be open until June first. All yurts and cabins may be reserved online at www.reserveamerica.com Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area (435) 784-3445: All campgrounds are open with pees except Spirit Lake, Greendale East Group, Jarvis Canyon, Dutch John Draw and Red Springs. Visitors using the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area will have to pay a use fee. Day passes are $5, seven-day passes are $15 and annual passes are $35. Passes are available in Manila Utah and in Evanston, Rock Springs and Green River Wyoming and local businesses in and around the Flaming Gorge area. If you are staying in a developed campground in the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area you are not required to pay the use fee. Duchesne/Roosevelt Ranger Districts (435) 738-2482: All campgrounds are open with fees except Spirit Lake and Avintaquin. Blind stream pass will not be open. Please call the Ranger District for more info on roads and campgrounds. Dixie National Forest (435) 865-3700 or http://www.fs.usda.gov/dixiePine Valley Ranger District (435) 688-3246: For the most current information about these campgrounds, call the St. George Interagency Office at: (435) 688-3246. Cedar City Ranger District (435) 865-3700: All campgrounds and picnic areas will be open with water and fees for Memorial Day weekend. Please call the Cedar City Ranger District for the most recent information. Powell Ranger District (435) 676-9300: Red Canyon, Coyote Hollow Equestrian and King Creek campgrounds are open with all available amenities. Please call the District office for current information. Escalante Ranger District (435)-826-5400: All campgrounds will be open with fees and water. Please call the Escalante Ranger District or the Visitors Center for the most recent information. The Visitors Center is open five days a week, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Visitors center (435)-826-5499. Fishlake National Forest (435) 896-9233 or http://www.fs.usda.gov/fishlakeBeaver Ranger District (435) 438-2436: Little Cottonwood, Mahogany Cove, Kent’s Lake and Little Reservoir campgrounds, and Ponderosa picnic area will be open with water and fees. City Creek campground will be open with no water or fees. LeBaron and Anderson Meadow campgrounds will likely not be open. Most roads and trails are open. For current conditions contact the Beaver Ranger District at (435) 438-2436 Fillmore Ranger District (435) 743-5721: Maple Grove, Oak Creek, Adelaide and Maple Hollow campgrounds will be open with water and fees. Some roads and trails at higher elevations are closed due to snow and wet muddy conditions. Contact the Fillmore Ranger District for the most current information. Fremont River Ranger District (435) 836-2800: All campgrounds are open with fees. Boulder Top road will be closed until approximately June 16, 2012. Please call the Fremont River Ranger District Office for the most current and up to date information. Richfield Ranger District (435) 896-9233: Gooseberry campground and Monrovian picnic area will be open for the holiday weekend. Manti-LaSal National Forest (435) 637-2817 or http://www.fs.usda.gov/mantilasalPrice (435) 637-2817 and Ferron Ranger District (435) 384-2372: Joes Valley campground is open with fees. High elevation roads are gated or closed due to snow. Please contact the district for up-to-date information. Sanpete Ranger District (435) 283-4151: Maple Canyon, Twin Reservoir, and Chicken Creek campgrounds are open with fees. High elevation roads are gated and or closed due to snow. Please contact the district for up-to-date information. Moab Ranger District (435) 259-7155: Warner Lake, Oowah Lake and Buckeye Reservoir campgrounds are open with fees. All roads are open except, Geyser Pass, La Sal Pass and Miners Basin Roads. Burro Pass and Moonlight Meadows bike trails will remain closed due to snow. Monticello Ranger District (435) 587-2041: All campgrounds are open with fees. All major roads are open except, North Creek Pass Road. Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest (801) 236-3400 or (801) 342-5100 http://www.fs.usda.gov/uwcnf Pleasant Grove Ranger District (801) 785-3563: Hope, Mount Timpanogos, Timpooneke, Little Mill and Granite Flat campgrounds will be open with fees, except Altamont. The Alpine Scenic Loop (USR 92) will be open for the Memorial Day weekend. Tibble Fork road is open to Mineral Basin, but Tibble Fork Road to Silver Lake Road is closed. The Squaw Peak road is open to Rock Canyon. The North Fork road is open, but no trailers will be allowed as there is limited turn around space. Trails in American Fork Canyon are open to bicycles, motorized vehicles and livestock. A recreation pass is required for the American Fork Canyon-Alpine Scenic Loop area and is available at Forest Service offices or at the entrance stations to the Scenic Loop. The special use fee is $6.00 for a one three-day pass per vehicle, $12.00 for a 7 day pass and $45.00 for the annual pass.Trails Update for the Pleasant Grove Ranger District: Trails Associated with the Wet Trail Closure (Trails closed to all uses except hiking) will be open starting 5/23/2013

* This includes: Mill Canyon 040, Tibble Fork 041, Salamander Flat 150, Ridge Trail 157, Mud Springs 173, Willow Hollow 159, South Fork Little Deer Creek 252 * There may be small wet sections still, please travel through these areas respectfully to reduce trail damage * Thank you to all who have adhered to the wet trail closure this year, the trails are in great shape! Wilderness Trails:

* Timpanogos will still have significant snow and possible snow bridges crossing river drainages, people are cautioned not to continue past their skill level for traveling on snow and to have the appropriate gear needed for snow travel. * As you are planning trips this summer for the Lone Peak or Mount Timpanogos Wilderness Areas please remember:

o 15 Person Group Size limitation o No camp fires in the entire Mount Timpanogos Wilderness or the Silver Lake Basin of the Lone Peak Wilderness o Shortcutting switchbacks is prohibited, stay on the main trail to reduce trail damage and erosion and to increase your safety. Other trail updates:

* The front country trails (Bonneville Shoreline, Dry Canyon, Battle Creek, Grove Creek) are clear of snow and open (There may be some intermittent snow on the higher end of these trails) * Upper country trails that are not part of the wet trail closures will most likely still have snow and wet sections. Please avoid using these trails if they are wet to avoid causing damage. * Avoid using any trails for a day or possibly two after any significant rain fall so that they have adequate time to dry. Volunteer Opportunity:

* National Trails Day is June 1st; we will have two volunteer projects that day, contact Gary Gray at gcgray@fs.fed.us or call 801-796-4886 for project details and to sign up. Maps: For the AF Canyon Trail Map and Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) visit: http://www.fs.usda.gov/main/uwcnf/maps-pubs

MVUMs are there for all the Districts, under Miscellaneous Maps is where you can find the AF Canyon Trail Map. Trail Descriptions: For trail descriptions on the Pleasant Grove Ranger District visit: http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/uwcnf/recarea/?recid=8988 search under activities at the bottom of the page. Spanish Fork Ranger District (801) 798-3571: Diamond, Maple Bench, Payson Lakes, Tinney Flat, and Whiting campgrounds are open with water and fees. Balsam, Bear Canyon, Blackhawk, Cherry, Maple Lake, and Ponderosa campgrounds are open with fees, but no water. Vernon Reservoir and Cottonwood campgrounds are open with no water or fees. Pole Heaven will open today. The Nebo Loop Scenic Byway is open 16 miles on the north side within Payson Canyon, and on the south side (Nephi) it is open only 6 miles.

Logan Ranger District (435) 755-3620: All campgrounds and picnic areas will be open with fees, for the holiday weekend, except Tony Grove. Low elevation roads and trails are open and dry. The gates in High Creek and Green Canyon will be open for the weekend and possibly the first gate at Temple Fork. All other mid-elevation gates Cowley/Herd, Temple Fork, Forestry Camp, and Pole Hollow) will remain closed, but scheduled to open on June 1st. Upper elevation roads (Marie Springs, Twin Creek and Dip Hollow) are still closed with gates scheduled to open on June 15th. The best opportunities for dispersed camping will be in Franklin Basin, Providence Canyon and limited camping may be available along the Hardware Ranch to Sinks Scenic Backway. The yearly Mountain Man Rendezvous will be in the Lefthand Fork of the Blacksmith Fork over the holiday, so expect crowds if camping there. Ogden Ranger District (801) 625-5306: All campgrounds are open with fees, except Monte Cristo. The Avon to Liberty road is also open. Please TREAD LIGHTLY and avoid traveling on roads when muddy.Salt Lake Ranger District (801) 466-6411: Spruces and Tanners Flat campgrounds will be open with water and fees on Friday, May 24, 2013. Storm Mountain, Ledgemere, Birches and Dogwood picnic areas in Big Cottonwood Canyon are open with fees but no water. Upper, Main and South areas in Box Elder, Churchfork, Terraces and Maple Grove picnic sites are open with fees, but no water. The gate to Doughnut Falls will open on Thursday, May 23, 2013 Remember Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons are Salt Lake City Municipal Watersheds and dogs are not allowed in these canyons. Mueller Park picnic area in Davis County is open with water and fees. Fernwood picnic area in Layton is open with water and fee. Farmington Canyon Road is open to the intersection with Francis Peak and Skyline Drive. Ward Canyon road is still closed. Cottonwood, Intake and Boy Scout campgrounds are now open and on Friday, May 24th Lower and Upper Narrows and Loop campgrounds will open in South Willow Canyon (Stansbury Mountains, west of Tooele and Grantsville) are open with fees but no water. Heber-Kamas Ranger District (435) 654-0470 or (435) 783-4338: All campgrounds and picnic areas within the Heber area are open with water and fees, except Mill Hollow and Wolf Creek, which are still closed due to snow. Lodgepole Campground has no drinking water and no RV Dump. Porta- Potties are in Loop A, but Flush Toilets in Loop B. The Strawberry Visitor Center will be open 7 days a week starting May 31, 2013, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Installation of new Courtesy and Break Water Docks at Strawberry Bay Boat Ramp are complete. Wolf Creek Pass (Utah SR 35) is now open. The Mirror Lake Highway (Utah SR 150 from Kamas, Utah to Evanston, Wyoming is still closed due to snow as of May 23rd. Yellow Pine, Cobblerest, Lower Provo, Shady Dell, Soapstone (water only in the top loop), Ledgefork (lower loop only) and Smith & Morehouse campgrounds located within the Kamas area are open with fees. All high elevation lakes are still frozen and inaccessible. Visitors parked or camping along the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway must display a fee pass. One to three day passes are $6.00, seven day passes are $12.00, and annual passes are $45.00. Passes can be purchased at the Kamas Work Center, Heber-Kamas Ranger District Office, Evanston Ranger District, and local business in Kamas, Utah and Evanston, Wyoming. Evanston/Mountain View Ranger Districts (307) 789-3194 or (307) 782-6555: Evanston: Most campgrounds on the Evanston Ranger District will have sites available. Some site may be too wet to camp in. Lyman Lake campground will not be open. No water will be on in the campgrounds. Fees will be charged at a reduced rate. The Bear River Ranger Station will not be open for Memorial Day weekend. The planned opening date is Thursday, May 30, 2013. Early season hours will be Thursday – Monday 8-12, 1230-430 for most of June. The ranger station will be closed June 10 – June 13 for orientation/training. July – Labor Day hours will be Sunday – Thursday 8-12, 1230-430, Friday – Saturday 8-6. Conditions as of May 22: Whitney Reservoir is not accessible. Elizabeth Pass is not open. Lyman Lake is not open. The Lily Lake Dump Station will not be open. Mountain View: Stateline and Deadhorse Trailhead campgrounds are open with fees and no water. Hoop Lake, Bridger and East Marsh campgrounds may be open Friday, May 24th.Trails above 9000 feet are wet, muddy or snow covered. Forest crews are doing maintenance work to remove dead trees is some campgrounds, so please look up and around before choosing a campsite. Visitors recreating or primitive camping along the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway must display a fee pass. 1-3 Day passes are $6.00, 7-day passes are $12.00 and annual passes are $45.00. Passes are no longer needed in developed (concessionaire ran) campgrounds. Passes can be purchased at Forest Service Offices in Kamas, Utah; Evanston, Wyoming; local business in Kamas, and the Bear River Lodge

Salt Lake City, April 5, 2013 – Spring is a welcome site on the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, but spring weather and melting snow have combined to make Forest roads and trails wet and muddy. Driving on wet muddy roads or behind “road closed gates” causes erosion, reduces water quality and makes roads hazardous for the next user. OHV enthusiasts can minimize their impact on the land by traveling only on hard surfaces; avoid streams, muddy roads trails and steep hillsides. If in doubt of road conditions, turn around before getting stuck and causing resource damage to the Forest.With increased spring activity across the Forest, users must be diligent in safety, respect for other users and be responsible for obeying National Forest laws. The Forest Service would like to remind hikers, mountain bikers, equestrians, and recreationists who use off-highway vehicles such as four-wheelers, dirt bike and ATVs to “Tread Lightly”. The majority of campgrounds and picnic areas on the Forest are closed and will not be open for use until mid-May or later. Because there is no garbage pickup, water or bathroom facilities available, the Forest asks users not to use the campgrounds and picnic areas until they are officially open. Because OHV users share the outdoors with numerous other forest users, it is important to know and understand the rules and regulations that govern the use of OHV’s. Driving cross-country by motorized, wheeled vehicles is prohibited, to help minimize impacts on the land and protect natural resources. In order to keep designated roads and trails on the forest open for motorized use, it is important that users respect seasonal closures. Forest officials remind OHV users that they are responsible for knowing which roads and trails are open to motorized use. Motor Vehicle Use Maps, which show what roads and trail are open to motorized vehicles, are available at http://www.fs.usda.gov/uwcnf

Logan, Utah- The Logan Ranger District of the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest invites the public to Winter Trails Day 2013. The purpose of Winter Trails Day is to offer people of all ages and abilities an opportunity to get outside in the winter.

What: 2013 Winter Trails Day When: Saturday, January 12, 9:00 am – 1:00 pmWhere: Sinks Winter TrailheadContact: Lisa Thompson (lisathompson@fs.fed.us or 801-690-4287)Website: http://www.snowlink.com Join us from 09:00 am to 1:00 pm. for an introduction to winter snow sports for the whole family, FREE of charge on Saturday, January 12, 2013, at the Sinks Winter Trailhead which is located approximately 28.6 miles east of the Logan Ranger District office on North U.S. Highway 89 (Logan Canyon Scenic Byway). This year we will offer demonstrations, experiences and information on winter fun including:

Learning about ways to have fun and stay fit, warm and safe in the winter.

Discovering nature in the winter through snowshoe hikes, accessible recreation using adaptive equipment, and cross-country ski demos. Try out equipment available for use at the event.

Avalanche Awareness

Participants should wear warm clothing and snow boots. Winter Trails Day is made possible by the following local sponsors: Sponsored by: US Forest Service, Logan Ranger District, Stokes Nature Center, Utah Conservation Corp, Common Ground Outdoor Adventures, Utah Avalanche Center, Utah Paw Power, Utah State Parks, Top of Utah Snowmobile Association, Nordic United, Cache County Search and Rescue and many more!! Volunteers from each of these organizations will be on hand to talk about outdoor winter recreation.

About Winter Trails Day: The National Winter Trails organization is now in its 18th year, with free events at more than 100 locations throughout the U.S. (see www.wintertrails.org for more info). These activities are intended to provide exercise and a chance to enjoy nature, plus most of them involve a minimal to modest learning curve.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) High Desert District (HDD) plans to conduct a prescribed fire 20 miles southwest of Mountain View, Wyo., this winter or early spring contingent upon fuel moisture and weather meeting optimal burn conditions. The Tokewanna prescribed burn will dispose of slash piles left over from 150 acres of timber harvest and forest health treatments within the Blacks Fork and Fish Creek drainages along the northwest edge of the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest adjacent to Meeks Cabin Reservoir. Outdoor enthusiasts are advised to avoid this area during prescribed fire operations. For more information, please contact HDD Fuels Technician Phillip Lockwood at 307-828-4549 or the BLM Kemmerer Field Office at 307-828-4500.

2012 CHRISTMAS TREE PERMITSSalt Lake City, Utah, October 25, 2012 – The holiday season is coming and thousands of peopleevery year cut their Christmas tree from national forests. Cutting a Christmas tree in a national forest is afamily tradition for many residents of Utah. Weather conditions in the mountains are unpredictable, so alwaysbe prepared for winter weather. Stay on designated roads and trails. Be prepared for slick, snow packedroads and have chains, a 4-wheel drive vehicle, or a snow machine available. Let someone know where youare planning to go and approximate time you will return. Carry a cell phone; bring additional warm clothing,good warm gloves, boots, and a container of hot liquid, water, lunch or snack, as it may take longer thanexpected. Carry a flashlight, chains, shovel, first aid kit, matches, a hatchet, ax or handsaw, and rope tosecure your tree.Tree permits are for personal use only, cash and checks are the only accepted method of payment.Trees must always be cut close to the ground leaving the stump no higher than 6 inches. A shovelwill come in handy to dig through the snow to reach the base of the tree. Make sure your permit isattached to the tree before leaving the cutting area. TREE TOPPING IS NOT ALLOWED. Nocutting within 200 feet of riparian areas (lakes and streams) roads, campgrounds, picnic areas,administrative sites, summer home areas, or within designated closed areas shown on tree cuttingarea maps.ASHLEY NATIONAL FOREST: (435) 789-1181 – http://fs.usda.gov/ashley

Flaming Gorge Ranger District: (435) 784-3445 - Permits go on sale Friday, November 16, 2012. Permitswill be available at the Flaming Gorge Ranger District Office, intersection Highway 43 & 44, Manila, Utahfrom 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Permits will also be available at Flaming Gorge Resort.Cost of the nonrefundable permit is $10.00 and there is a limit of one permit per household.Duchesne Ranger District: (435) 738-2482Permits go on sale Friday, November 16, 2012. Permits may be purchased at the Duchesne Ranger DistrictOffice, 85 West Main, Duchesne, Utah, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday. Permits may also bepurchased at the Hanna Country Store, State Route 35, Hanna, Utah, (435) 848-5752 and at Stewart’s Market,245 West Highway 40 in Roosevelt, (435) 722-5650. Permits are $10.00 each, one permit per household.Vernal Ranger District: (435) 789-1181 - Permits go on sale Friday, November 16, 2012. Permits may bepurchased at the Vernal Office, located at 355 North Vernal Avenue in Vernal, Utah Monday-Friday from8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Permits may also be purchased at the following businesses 7 days a week; DavisJubilee Store, 575 West Main, in Vernal, (435) 789-2001, and Shirley’s Country Corner, 6982 North 9500 East, Highway 12 in LaPoint, (435) 247-2690. Permits are $10.00, one permit per household. Any species oftree can be cut except, Ponderosa Pine.

DIXIE NATIONAL FOREST: (435) 865-3700 – http://fs.usda.gov/dixie

Cedar City Ranger District: (435) 865-3700 - Permits go on sale Monday, November 5, 2012. Permits canbe obtained at the Cedar City Ranger District, 1789 North Wedgewood Lane, Cedar City, Utah from 8:00a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Permits will also be available at Hurst Ace Hardware Store, 165South Main, Cedar City, Utah (435) 865-9335. Permits are $10.00 for a tree up to 10 feet and $20.00 for atree 11 foot to 20 foot, one permit per household, two trees maximum. The only species of trees that can becut are Sub-Alpine Fir, White Fir and Pinyon Pine. Please check with the Cedar City Ranger District officebefore traveling to obtain the most current road condition information. Cash and checks are the only acceptedmethod of payment.

Escalante Ranger District: (435) 826-5400 - Permits go on sale Tuesday, November 6, 2012. Permits canbe purchased at the Escalante Ranger District, 755 West Main, Escalante, Utah from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.,Monday through Friday. Permits may also be bought at Antimony Merc, Antimony, Utah (435) 624-3253,7 days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Contact the Escalante Ranger District for a list of other vendors.Permits are $10.00, one permit per household, one tree only. All species of tree may be cut, exceptBristlecone Pine.

Powell Ranger District: (435) 676-9300 - Permits are now available and can be purchased at the PowellRanger District, 225 East Center Street, Panguitch, Utah from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.Permits are $10.00 for a tree up to 10 feet and $20.00 for a tree 11 foot to 20 foot. All species of trees can becut, except Bristlecone Pine. To obtain a permit by mail, contact the Powell Ranger District.St. George Interagency Visitor Center: (435) 688-3246 or (435) 652-3100 - Permits go on sale Monday,November 5, 2012. Permits can be purchased at the Visitor Center, 345 East Riverside Drive, St. George,Utah, from 7:45 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday and from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturdays.Permits may also be purchased at Veyo Mercantile, 13 North Main Street, Veyo, Utah (435) 574-2749,Monday through Thursday 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Friday and Saturdays.Permits are $10.00; Pinyon Pine and Juniper are the only species of trees that may be cut. One person canpurchase up to 5 tags.

Beaver Ranger District: (435) 438-2436 – Permits are now available and may be purchased at the BeaverRanger District, 575 South Main, Beaver, Utah, Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and SaturdaysNovember 17th, 24th, and December 1st from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Permits may also be purchased at thePiute County Sheriff’s Office, in Junction, Utah, (435) 577-2988, Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00p.m. and Beaver Sport and Pawn, 85 North Main, Beaver, Utah (435) 438-2100, seven days a week from 8:00a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Permits are $10.00 each, two permits per household, 2 trees only. All species of trees maybe cut, except Ponderosa Pine and Blue Spruce.

Fillmore Ranger District: (435) 743-5721 - Permits go on sale Tuesday, November 13, 2012. Permits canbe purchased at the Fillmore Ranger District, 390 South Main Fillmore, Utah, Monday through Friday 8:00a.m. to 12:00 and 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., and on Saturday, November 17th, from 8:00 am to noon; SaturdayNovember 24th and December 1st, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Permits are $10.00, one permit per household,one tree only. Any species of tree maybe cut, except Ponderosa Pine.

Fremont River Ranger District: (435) 836-2811 - Permits are now available and can be purchased at theFremont River Ranger District Office, 138 South Main, Loa, Utah from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Mondaythrough Friday. Permits are $10.00, one permit per person, one tree only. On the Fishlake National Forestportion of the Fremont River Ranger District any species of tree may be cut, but Ponderosa Pine and Bristlecone Pine. On the Dixie National Forest portion of the Fremont River Ranger District any species oftree may be cut but Ponderosa Pine.

Ferron/Price Ranger Districts: (435) 384-2372/ (435) 637-2817 and Moab/Monticello Ranger Districts:Christmas tree permits will be on sale at all offices of the Manti-La Sal National Forest beginningNov. 19 for $10 each. District offices (Ephraim, Ferron, Moab and Monticello) are open Mondaythrough Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Supervisor’s Office in Price is open weekdays from 8a.m. to 5 p.m. Permits will be sold at the Blanding Visitor Center. There is a limit of three permits perperson. Purchasers will need to provide a check or exact change. There will be no refunds. To buy apermit for a tree over 8 feet in height, the buyer must first obtain written authorization from thenearest District Office or Supervisors Office, and pay 50 cents per additional foot, payable when thepermit is purchased.

The Forest will also be selling tree permits through the mail. Customers should send a requestfor the permit, provide their name, mailing address, phone number, and a check for $10/per permit inan envelope marked “Attention: Christmas Tree Sales.” Make checks payable to: USDA ForestService. A permit will be sent by return mail. A purchaser may request authorization for trees tallerthan 8 feet (see above) as part of their order, and include the additional costs in their check payment.Orders should be sent to the district where the tree will be cut: Supervisor’s Office/PriceDistrict, 599 W. Price River Drive, Price, UT 84501, phone, 435-637-2817; Ferron-Price DistrictOffice, P.O. Box 310, Ferron, UT 84523, phone, 435-384-2372; Moab District Office, P.O. Box 386,Moab, UT 84532, phone, 435-259-7155; Monticello District Office, P.O. Box 820, Monticello, UT84535, phone, 435-587-2041; and the Sanpete District Office, 540 N. Main Street, Ephraim, UT84627-1117, phone, 435-283-4151.

Heber-Kamas Ranger District: (435) 654-0470 and (435) 783-4338 – Christmas tree permits will be soldon Friday, November 2nd, and Saturday, November 3rd at Soldier Hollow Lodge, located at 2002 OlympicDrive, in Midway, Utah. Non-transferrable wristbands will be issued to the first 1,000 individuals starting at6:00 a.m. on both days. Individuals with a wristband must purchase their tree permit in person from 8:00 a.m.to 12:00 p.m. at the Lodge on both days. One tree permit per adult (16 years of age and older) and will besold on a first come, first- served basis. Tree cutting permits are $10.00 and are for designated cutting areaswithin the Heber Ranger District. Any remaining tree permits will be sold beginning Monday, November 5that the Heber-Kamas Ranger District Office, Heber Office Location, 2460 South Highway 40, Heber City,Utah. Only subalpine fir trees 20 feet tall or shorter may be cut and removed. All trees must be tagged priorto transporting them.

Evanston/Mt. View Ranger Districts: (307) 789-3194 and (307) 782-6555 - Permits for the Evanston areago on sale Tuesday, November 13, 2012. Permits are $10.00, one permit per household, one tree only.Permits can be purchased at the Evanston Ranger District Office, 1565 South Highway 150, Suite A,Evanston, Wyoming, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Permits may also be purchased atthe Bear River Lodge located 30 miles south of Evanston on the Mirror Lake Highway 150, (435) 642-6289.Any species of tree may be cut, but Lodgepole Pine is the main species in the area. Snow conditions mayrequire permit holders to use snowmobiles, cross-country skies or snowshoes to access the cutting area.Permits for the Mt. View area go on sale, Tuesday, November 13, 2012. Permits are $10.00, onepermit per household, one tree only. Permits can be purchased at the Mountain View Ranger District, 321Highway 414, Mountain View, Wyoming, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday only. Permitsmay also be purchased at the Maverick Store (307) 782-6693 located at 655 N. Highway 414 in MountainView, Wyoming, 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. Any species of tree may be cut, but Lodgepole Pine is themain species in the area.

The gates on the Mirror Lake Highway and on the North Slope Road are typically closed during thefirst week of December, limiting access for people without a snow machine. Cutting is not allowed inthe Lily Lake Cross Country Ski Area.

For information pertaining to Christmas tree cutting on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) areascontact the BLM State Office at (801) 539-4001 or the BLM Salt Lake District (801) 977-4300. Forinformation pertaining to tree cutting on Utah State Lands call (801)538-7302

About the Salmon River Mountain Press

The Salmon River Mountain Press shares news from federal and state natural resource agencies, environmental, conservation and recreation groups in Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming. The blog delivers the content one news story at a time.